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Women's Health
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Six symptoms women should never ignore
Oftentimes, patients hesitate to go to the doctor, unsure whether a symptom is important enough to warrant a visit. Any symptom that persists or is acute needs to be taken seriously, but for women, the following 6 symptoms demand PROMPT medical attention: [1.] Chest pain or pressure Chest pain or pressure does not necessarily signal cardiovascular disease, as it could be due to anxiety attacks or acid reflux. But coronary artery disease – which is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths in the U.S. – must be ruled out, especially if you already have diabetes or hypertension. As with all the symptoms on this list, knowing your family history will aid in diagnosis, and catching the problem early will improve your outcome. If your parent or sibling was a heart patient, you are more likely to develop heart disease. But if you seek medical advice at the first instance of chest pain or pressure, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and a healthful diet, and appropriate medications, can go a long way to improving your quality of life. [2.] Breast lump Be attentive of any lump in the breast area, any skin change around the nipple and any discharge from the nipple. Most lumps are benign, fibrous tissue, but remember that breast cancer is a leading cause of death in American women. Its warning signs should not be ignored. If you discover any questionable breast changes during your monthly self-exam, contact your doctor immediately for appropriate testing. [3.] Changing skin lesion If a mole or freckle becomes larger, develops an irregular border, changes color, itches or bleeds, or loses color and forms a white border, consult your physician to rule out melanoma and other cancers. Have your doctor survey your skin thoroughly during your annual checkup. [4.] Skin lump or bump Sometimes lumps and bumps are benign fat deposits, but sometimes they signal lymphoma or skin cancer. Three recent patients thought nothing of lumps in the neck, thigh and nose, but they turned out to be thyroid cancer, melanoma and basal-cell carcinoma, respectively. Review with your doctor any lumps or bumps that concern you. Ask for a biopsy to set your mind at ease. [5.] Bowel changes Colon cancer often does not present symptoms in its early stages, but if you experience bowel changes, report them to your doctor. Episodes of diarrhea or constipation, especially with blood in the stools, are often due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but cancer needs to be ruled out with a colonoscopy. [6.] Depression If you have persistent feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, are unable to enjoy life as you once did, or have suicidal thoughts, seek help. Depression may also be a sign of other medical disorders, such as thyroid disease, an electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, pancreatic cancer or a brain tumor. Even if it’s emotionally driven, you are facing a potentially life-threatening condition. These 6 symptoms are just a few that could signal trouble. Moreover, many conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease, often don’t present symptoms until the disease has progressed to a dangerous state. That’s why it’s important that you be aware of any changes in your body, contact your physician with any concerns you may have, and don’t neglect your annual checkups and screenings. Dr. Cummins-Vigneron is a board-certified family medicine physician practicing at UC Irvine Healthcare’s Gottschalk Medical Plaza in Irvine. For more information, visit ucihealth.com or call 714.456.7002. |
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